The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) will expand its monitoring framework to cover all Indian seafarers, irrespective of the flag under which their vessels operate, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has announced. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the safety, welfare, and regulatory oversight of Indian maritime professionals serving on ships registered around the world.
The expanded monitoring mechanism will enable DG Shipping to maintain closer oversight of Indian seafarers employed on both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels. The move is expected to improve communication during emergencies, facilitate quicker response in cases of accidents or crises, and ensure timely assistance for crew members regardless of their employer or vessel registry.
India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of skilled seafarers to the global shipping industry, with thousands of Indian officers and ratings serving on merchant vessels operated by international shipping companies. The enhanced monitoring system is intended to provide better visibility of their deployment, employment status, and welfare while ensuring compliance with international maritime labour and safety standards.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen data management and coordination between DG Shipping, recruitment and placement agencies, shipowners, and other maritime stakeholders. Improved tracking of Indian seafarers is expected to support more effective policy planning, workforce development, and welfare initiatives for the country’s growing maritime workforce.
The announcement aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernise maritime governance, enhance digital oversight, and improve the global competitiveness of Indian seafarers. By extending monitoring to all Indian crew members irrespective of vessel flag, DG Shipping aims to ensure greater protection, stronger regulatory compliance, and more effective support for Indian seafarers serving across international shipping routes.
